The lively hubbub of Marbella’s Golden Mile is a familiar friend to many; yet while most are itching to head straight into the action, those in the know will wander a little further inland to orchestrate the vibe on their own terms. Somewhat a gem location, (being close to the coast, but offering spaces to top-up on the quiet time), this is an exquisite luxe lover’s retreat. Starting with the royal entrance, cypress trees and an array of flags vibrantly frame the path, as you take the first sighting of the pink palace standing proudly at its end. Overlooking a lake, a wave of golf courses and perfectly manicured gardens, with a sprinkling of sculptures watching guard by magnificent fountains; the view is so picturesque it looks hand painted. Once the stately home of the Count and Countess of Padierna, a personal collection of over 1,000 pieces of art and tapestries that don the walls tell the stories that have gone by. In the main palace building, the icing on the cake is the cosy proximity to all distractions you came here for; while villas are tucked a little further away, with Villa Obama’s (named after Michelle herself) offering a dance-on-the-terrace extravaganza overlooking the private pool.

Yet while there’s extravagancies in every palace, it’s the humility of Anantara’s character that makes a stay here truly inviting. Rather, expectations are so minimal, it’d be hard not to comfortably ease into the more leisurely pursuits. Just as the Countess' own love for the sport awarded her the Spanish Doubles Championship in 1968, all three golf courses are simply waiting to hone the skills of beginner to professional competitors. Do as the Romans do, too, in the spectacular spa with it's full-on Roman-inspired baths, marble columns and illuminating skylights that create twinkling streams of natural light. With three dedicated spaces, pools and steam rooms of various temperatures, it’s only a question of how long you’ve got to soak it all in. And, because it wouldn’t be Marbella without a beach club– Villa Padierna’s is only ever a short 10-minute shuttle away.